Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies is planning a special oversight visit to the broadcasting sector following Canal+'s announcement to discontinue its unprofitable streaming service, Showmax.
This decision comes after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sixolise Gcilishe contacted the committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, regarding the shutdown. Launched by MultiChoice in 2015, Showmax has been a platform for African films and TV series, available in at least 44 African countries.
"MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA ... today announces the forthcoming discontinuation of the Showmax service," Canal+ said in a statement.
"The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable."
Gcilishe had requested that MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd provide an update to the committee on the termination of the Showmax platform, the associated job losses, and the prospects for local productions.
“This decision raises significant concerns relevant to our committee's responsibilities, particularly regarding the support of the local creative industry, job retention, and adherence to transformation goals within our digital economy.
“Showmax has been crucial in contributing to our national identity and pushing the South African narrative by providing a platform for local producers, actors, writers and technical teams,” Gcilishe said.
“Any significant corporate changes by a major entity like MultiChoice will likely result in job losses, affecting not just the company but also the wider creative sector, including writers, directors, editors, and freelance workers reliant on streaming services for income.”
Gcilishe asked that MultiChoice be prepared to address the following specific topics in their presentation:
• the definitive timeline and rationale for ending or restructuring Showmax,
• a thorough assessment of the potential job losses, both at MultiChoice and within the wider film and television industry, and
• The future of existing Showmax Original productions and their accessibility to South African viewers.
Sangoni-Diko said that the matters Gcilishe raised are significant to the stability of South Africa’s creative economy and the sustainability of local content production.
“It is for this reason that the committee had already initiated engagements with key entities with a view to inviting them to account to Parliament.
"The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Commission are scheduled to brief the committee on 17 March 2026 on the regulatory conditions, public interest commitments, and compliance requirements linked to the final approval of the Canal+ acquisition of MultiChoice,” Sangoni-Diko said.
“Following this, the committee is working on scheduling a special oversight visit to the broadcasting sector on 31 March and 1 April 2026, covering eTV, MultiChoice, and other commercial broadcasters,” she said.
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